A decision has been deferred, to allow planners to hold further talks with the developer, about reducing the scale and design of the scheme.

The project involved was to be a 3-storey office block, using a biomass heating plant and associated car parking. And the application for full planning permission came from the North Banchory Company, based at the Banchory Business Centre, Burn o'Bennie Road.

Members of Aberdeenshire Council's Marr Area Committee were told in a planning service report that the project was to be located on a site allocated for "appropriate" employment use and outline planning approval had been given for that use.

The proposed biomass plant at the rear of the site would reduce heating costs and be "carbon neutral". The design of the proposed building would be flexible, to accommodate a range of potential tenants' needs.

Council and independent agencies had been advised of the proposals and had been generally supportive, although the Council's Natural Heritage officer had raised concerns about potential impact on nearby woodland and "inadequate" landscaping proposals.

A planning service report said that the provision of office buildings on the site was acceptable and the high levels of "sustainability " were welcomed.

However, the reported continued, "The main issue of concern is the overall scale and massing of the building, which (it) is considered would have an overall visually detrimental impact on the immediate and surrounding area of Hill of Banchory.

A reduced scale, massing and refined form of design is required."

The planners recommended refusal of the application.

At last week's meeting, an agent for the developer, Harry McNab, claimed that the project would have "the most sustainable building ever built in Aberdeenshire."

And the developer was disappointed that the council's planning service had recommended refusal. There was a desperate need for office accommodation in the area, he claimed, with the Banchory Business Centre full.

Councillor Linda Clark said she supported the scheme and was supported by Councillor Joanna Strathdee.
However, Councillor Karen Clark said that, while she agreed the scheme "ticks all the right boxes," its scale and design was all wrong.

She said it will have a negative impact on the surrounding area and called for a "more refined form of design."
She was backed by Councillor Jill Webster who said she also found the building innovative and liked the aspect of having car parking at the rear.

"But I find the building overwhelming - It would work on an industrial estate, but not on a mixed development such as Hill of Banchory."

Councillor Richard Stroud moved that they defer a decision to allow the planners to discuss with the developer a more suitable design plan for the site. Councillor Karen Clark said she would support that.
The issue went to a vote and that ended 6-4 in favour of deferring a final decision.